In the world of processing, production and assembly, parts feeders are a critical part of the equation. These machines interact with conveyors and other units in an assembly line to keep parts moving at the right rate and to separate lots of small parts for efficient production.

Although there are many different engineering styles for parts feeders, some parts feeder distributors group them into a few rough categories. Use these categories to purchase the right kind of industrial parts feeders to work with your production line. Among different parts feeders available are:

1. Vibratory parts feeders that separate and control parts movements through vibratory movement.

2. Centrifugal feeders that use rotary movement to get parts into a conveyor or into a feeding mechanism.

3. Other parts feeders including linear and hopper types that operate mechanically without vibration or centrifugal movement.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find vibratory parts feeders

These machines are among the most often used and purchased parts feeder types. Vibratory parts feeders use small movements to edge pieces along, providing effective transport of uniform parts for production. Vibratory feeders most often have bowl-shaped hoppers, vibratory drive units to move the pieces and tracks to sort and orient parts.

I recommend: Vibcon Corporation offers vibratory parts feeder bowls and systems along with other parts feeder systems and equipment. Vibromatic in Indiana specializes in vibratory bowls, parts and systems.

Find centrifugal parts feeder models

Centrifugal or rotary feeders are pretty much what they sound like: a rotating bowl uses centrifugal force to get the parts out into sorting tracks. This can be effective for many different industries and parts feeder distributor shops can customize centrifugal processes to fit into a production design.

I recommend: Parts feeder suppliers at Fortville Feeders, Inc. offer centrifugal feeding systems and parts for setting up, maintaining or optimizing a centrifugal system. Get Hoppman centrifugal feeders from Flex-Line Automation, Inc. with numerous models available through the online catalog page.

Locate other parts feeders

Other types of industrial parts feeder models are built in other ways to accommodate special processes. Some managers are not looking for a vibratory solution. Hopper systems, linear and step feeders, flexible feeders, and specialized machine-driven units provide alternatives for getting parts in spaced and movable situations.

I recommend: Get a variety of machine fed, hopper type and magazine style parts feeders at Feedall Automation Inc. For other feeding systems, including specialized bottling tracks and machine-driven feeders, check out KAPS-ALL Packaging Systems online from dedicated parts feeder manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The industry, use and specific handling requirements for a parts feeder system are things you should always think about before buying. Brainstorm how a parts feeder will fit into your existing system or how you can match it with effective conveyors and production spaces to build a line with great production capacity.